Food sector

Five reports on the needs and constraints for implementing microsystems in the food sector

FoodMicroSystems covers the food and beverage sector. The European food and drink industry is an important pillar in the European economy, as one of the most successful and dynamic business sectors. As the largest manufacturing sector in Europe, the industry boasts an annual turnover of €965 billion, half of which is generated by small and medium-sized companies (SMEs).

The project looked at the different aspects that can influence the demands for microsystems in the food sector: the needs and constraints from the food industry, the regulatory context, the perception of the consumers and the ethical aspects. These aspects have been analyzed in five individual reports and in a synthesis report available for download below.

The main findings as well as the link to each individual reports are presented in a specific section of the website containing seven pages:–Industry needs and demand: page 1–Constraints for implementing microsystems : page 2–Current regulations: page 3–Consumer perception: page 4–Ethical weighing of interests: page 5–Synthesis: page 6–Recommendations: page 7

In May 2013, FoodMicroSystems organises a consultation on its report describing the food industry demand for microsystems.

The report has been prepared following workshops and interviews with industry from the dairy, meat, fruits &vegetables, wine and packaging sectors. It identifies the demand in each of these sectors and examines the constraints for implementing microsystems. The report is designed for companies and researchers developing microsystems: the objective is to enable them to realise how the food industry can represent an attractive market.

During the consultation, stakeholders are invited to comment on the report and to share their ideas on the needs of the food industry. A final version of the report will be published and submitted to the European Commission in June 2013, as a contribution to the preparation of Horizon 2020.